During Round One of the Betfred Super League, a shocking moment occurred when Castleford Tigers‘ star player Liam Watts was sent off for direct contact with the head, while Super League champions Wigan Warriors battled in the rain at the Jungle, which resembled more of a swamp.
Making matters worse, another Super League star has been shown a similarly controversial red card with Michael McIlorum shown a red card for a similar offence against Warrington Wolves. “Force” was noted as was “no mitigation.”
There have been some questions raised about the resolve of the referee and video referee in light of the new rules in 2024. Kaide Ellis escaped a card despite making contact with the head of an opponent, as his back was bent. Harry Smith was sin-binned for a tackle on Luke Hooley, where he accidentally tipped him onto his head.
However, the big moment came when Liam Watts was sent off for direct contact with the head as he and Joe Westerman went to make a tackle on Tyler Dupree, who was ducking down and caught contact with Watts’ shoulder. The camera caught Castleford Tigers Head Coach Craig Lingard’s reaction, who appeared to say, “F*ck off. That’s f*cking ridiculous.” Danny McGuire also seemed to say, “How?” At the very least, both were shaking their heads.
After this incident, Wigan secured a 16-4 halftime lead with tries from Patrick Mago and Bevan French.
Super League cards following trend
Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 17/02/2024 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 1 – Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors – the Mend A Hose Jungle, Castleford, England – Castleford s Joe Westerman leads his side out against Wigan. Castleford Mend A Hose Jungle EnglandIn the opening game between Hull FC and Hull KR, Herman Ese’ese was the first player to receive a sin bin penalty for a high shot according to the new rules. Following this, Franklin Pele was sent off for a swinging arm, and Ligi Sao was also sent off, while Matt Parcell was sin binned.
In the match at Headingley, Ryan Brierley received a sin bin penalty for a high tackle on his friend Brodie Croft. Similarly, in the game between Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield Giants, Ricky Leutele was sin binned for a late hit, and John Asiata was also shown a yellow card. After the dismissal of Momirovski, Amir Bourouh of Salford became the ninth player to be carded. Two more cards were shown in the game at the Jungle.
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